HUMAN RIGHTS RISKS IN INTELLIGENT COMMUNITY PROCUREMENT Intelligent Community RFPs and Relevant Risks I: STRENGTHENING DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE Projects that strengthen digital infrastructure may address connectivity (broadband, Wi-Fi, cellular service); data collection (Internet of Things and associated infrastructure, among other technologies); data analysis (artificial intelligence/machine learning software solutions, database solutions); or cybersecurity and privacyenhancing technologies. All of these contribute to a municipality’s ability to gather data (whether from technologies or crowdsourced public knowledge) and improve efficiency and sustainability. As examples of this type of project, the following two RFPs and RFQs propose installing advanced systems to detect water leaks and provide advanced electricity metering, projects that save municipalities money and energy while collecting data in public and private spaces.
DURHAM, ONTARIO: NOTICE FOR PILOT PROJECT FOR SMART CITIES WATER LEAK DETECTION TECHNOLOGY (NRP1066-2020) The intent of this public notice is to advise the supplier community that the Region intends to conduct an assessment of smart water technologies (Pilot Project), and to allow potential suppliers (respondents) to signal their interest in participating in this Pilot Project by submitting a Statement of Capabilities for approval.” Service requirements include providing live data to troubleshoot operational issues, find leaks to manage water loss, and minimize the need for emergency repairs, as well as analyzing collected data to improve operations and reduce future costs.
NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA: ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM (NWRFQ-10-01) Within the next five years, more than 60% of residential, commercial, and industrial metres in New Westminster will need to be replaced or recertified. To support their electric utility customers, the city launched a call for a Digital Metering Platform that will “consist of metres, network, field deployment tools, a metre head end and network management system, and a metre data management system.” Service requirements include cyber security services, “business process and technical integration design and development,” and “organizational change management and communications support.”
Building Human Rights into Intelligent Community Design: A Focus on Canada
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